African Americans and Hispanics are affected by Diabetes and Hypertension at higher rates than other ethnicities. Proper management of blood sugars and blood pressure may slow or prevent the development Chronic.
Recognizing that health is the key to progress and equity in all other things, Dr. Booker T. Washington proposed the observance of "National Negro Health Week" in April 1915.
He called on local health departments, schools, churches, businesses, professional associations, and the most influential organizations in the African-American community to "pull together" and "unite… in one great National Health Movement." That observance grew into what is today a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities.